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Art Basel takes on Abu Dhabi—and evolves beyond its renowned series of art fairs—in its latest project

For the first time, Art Basel will venture outside of its premier art fairs in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong to launch Art Basel Inside—a three-day immersive arts programme taking place in Abu Dhabi from February 14 to February 16, 2020.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and curated by Marc-Olivier Wahler, director of the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire Geneva. 

Art Basel Inside will be a multi-faceted cultural experience, bringing together a select group of around 300 thought leaders from various disciplines. Here, they'll engage in dynamic dialogues on world issues through art. 

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Above Marc-Olivier Wahler, director of the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire Geneva (Photo: Courtesy of Art Basel)

Art Basel Inside will also include thematic journeys, site-specific installations and commissioned performances, complemented by workshops with visionary guest speakers from the worlds of technology and science to address topics such as intelligence, environments, sustainability, and the role of the arts.

See also: 7 Desert Destinations In Asia For Your Next Nomadic Adventure

In today's world it is vital that those in the art world not only speak to each other about the art world, but rather discuss with a wider range of thinkers and broader range of topics.

- Marc Spiegler, Art Basel's global director -

For Abu Dhabi, the event reinforces the UAE’s capital as a global destination for culture. Over the past decade, the UAE has invested billions of dollars in cultural projects such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Manarat Al Saadiyat and the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery.

The Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are currently in the works. 

“This is a collaboration brought about by a shared passion for the arts, and a belief in their importance in driving understanding, progress, and innovation,” said Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary for Abu Dhabi’s department of culture and tourism.

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Above Louvre Abu Dhabi (Photo: Getty Images)

Art Basel Inside is inviting changemakers at the forefront of every field to participate in the experience, which will cost US$15,000—an all-inclusive package that features luxury accommodations, chef-prepared meals and unique art experiences within the programme. 

Register at artbaselinside.com

See also: 10 Hong Kong Art Exhibitions To See In September 2019

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